Homestyle Hamburger Supreme Casserole: Easy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)

Hearty Hamburger Supreme Casserole is pure comfort! Simple ingredients, rich flavors, and an easy bake make this family favorite a weeknight win.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains meat, dairy, gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 chuck recommended)
02 - 2 cups (approx. 4 oz/115g) elbow macaroni

→ Flavor Foundation

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 - 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Creamy Binder

06 - 1 (10.5 oz/298g) can cream of mushroom soup (full-fat)
07 - 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

→ Finishing Touch

08 - 1 cup (4 oz/115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First up, get a large skillet heating over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, no pink bits left! Drain off any excess grease – this is where I always make a mini mess with the colander, oops. Then, add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Oh, that smell is just heavenly, a true sign of good things to come for this Hamburger Supreme Casserole!
02 - While your beef is browning, get a big pot of salted water boiling. Add your elbow macaroni and cook it according to package directions, but aim for al dente, just a little firm. It's going to finish cooking in the oven, so don't overdo it! I once forgot to salt the water and the pasta tasted so bland, never again. Drain it well, no need to rinse. This step is crucial for the perfect texture in your Hamburger Supreme Casserole.
03 - Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine your browned beef and aromatics, the cooked macaroni, the undrained diced tomatoes, and the cream of mushroom soup. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. This is where the magic starts to happen, seeing all those ingredients come together. Don't be afraid to get in there with a big spoon; I always make a little splash, but it's all part of the process, right?
04 - Pour in your milk and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir it all up again. Taste it if you dare (careful, it's not fully cooked yet!). Now, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. You don't usually need to grease it, but if you're feeling cautious, a quick spray won't hurt. Spoon the entire mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is looking good already!
05 - Sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the casserole. Don't be shy! I always feel like more cheese is, well, more cheese. Sometimes I even add a little extra parmesan if I have it hanging around, just for an extra layer of flavor. It's going to melt into a beautiful, bubbly crust. Get ready for that golden brown goodness on your Hamburger Supreme Casserole.
06 - Pop your Hamburger Supreme Casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a little golden brown on top. The edges should be simmering gently. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after pulling it out of the oven – this helps the sauce set up and prevents it from being too soupy. Trust me, waiting is the hardest part, but so worth it for this delicious Hamburger Supreme Casserole!

# Notes:

01 - Always drain the beef well after browning; excess grease can make the casserole oily.
02 - Don't overcook the macaroni initially; it will become mushy in the oven if you do.
03 - Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better than pre-bagged!
04 - For an extra crunch, top with crushed potato chips during the last 10 minutes of baking.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - large pot
03 - 9x13-inch baking dish
04 - large mixing bowl

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g